For some, it was an act of “moral courage.” For others, discrimination and a betrayal of academic freedom.
After accepting and then rescinding a grant intended to fund research on LGBTQ+ inclusion within churches, Baylor University has faced backlash, support, and widespread attention over the past month. In a statement, Baylor President Linda Livingstone cited a conflict between the grant’s “advocacy for perspectives on human sexuality” and the university’s institutional policies.
Widespread Criticism of the Decision
The reversal has triggered strong responses from across the Baylor community and beyond. The Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation, which awarded the $643,401 grant, published a statement expressing that its trustees were “deeply saddened,” attributing Baylor’s decision to an “online campaign of fear and misinformation.” The foundation, which has funded work at Baylor for over 40 years, stated the reversal was an affront to academic freedom and a missed opportunity to provide evidence-based research for churches. The Baugh Foundation also voiced concern for the faculty and students involved, stating the decision sends a clear, harmful message to the LGBTQ+ community.
The decision has also been met with pushback from alumni, faculty, and students. Multiple open letters signed by many from these groups oppose the university’s action, arguing it’s contrary to long-held policies on academic freedom and creates a dangerous precedent. These letters include:
- Academic Freedom Letter: This open letter states the group is composed of “members of the Baylor family who support academic freedom and oppose attempts to restrict it.” The letter has received over 700 submissions.
- “A Pastoral Call for Baylor to Lead with Courage and Compassion”: This letter hosted on the BU Bear for All website includes signatures from over 300 faith leaders, urging Baylor to ‘do better’ for the LGBTQ+ community.
Support for the University’s Stance
Some groups have voiced support for Baylor’s decision. Over 60 Texas Baptist pastors and church leaders co-signed an open letter commending President Livingstone for her “thoughtful, prayerful discernment.”
They affirmed Baylor’s choice, stating it demonstrated “moral courage” by upholding biblical standards while still cultivating a campus where every student is treated with dignity. This letter echoed the university’s own public statements, which reiterated its commitment to providing a “loving and caring community for all—including our LGBTQIA+ students” while affirming its traditional view of marriage and sexuality.
The letter came to public awareness through a July 11 story in the Baptist Standard. While the letter does not appear to have been published online, you can find a list of its signees at the bottom of this article from Baptist News Global.
Editor’s note: The Baylor Line is committed to ongoing coverage of this story and we will continue reporting as the story unfolds.
Disclosure: The Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation and Baylor University have been financial supporters of The Baylor Line, an independent, nonprofit newsroom that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations, and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in The Baylor Line’s journalism or editorial decisions.
